I-295 northbound ramp closures tonight in Bellmawr Detours in place to set up a temporary traffic pattern

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced a series of ramp and lane closures that will take place tonight in order to set up a new work zone on I-295 northbound as the Direct Connection project advances in Camden and Gloucester counties. This work was originally scheduled for last week but delayed due to weather.

Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, Friday, October 7 until 8 a.m. Saturday, October 8, NJDOT contractor, Conti Enterprises, Inc., will close the following ramps to set up a center lane work zone on I-295 in the area of mile post 27.6 (Bell Road):

I-76 eastbound to I-295 northbound:
• Motorists traveling on I-76 eastbound will be directed to continue to I-295 southbound to Exit 25/Delsea Drive to I-295 northbound

I-295 northbound to Route 168:
• Motorists traveling on I-295 northbound will be directed to continue to Exit 32/Berlin Road, turn left onto Berlin road, take ramp to I-295 southbound, and take Exit 28 to Route 168

By 8 a.m. Saturday, October 8, a temporary traffic pattern with lane shifts will be in place on I-295 northbound in the area of mile post 27.6 (Bell Road). The new configuration will have two lanes on the left side and a single lane cattle chute on the right side with a center work zone in between. Motorists proceeding on I-295 northbound will be directed to keep to the left. Traffic wishing to use Exit 28 to Route 168 will need to stay in the right lane.

The split between the two left lanes and one right lane will allow work to be staged in the center area to allow the full depth reconstruction of the middle lane. This traffic pattern will remain in place for approximately three weeks. Motorists are advised to expect delays and reminded to slow down and obey posted speed limits through work zones.

The work is part of the $900 million Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. The Direct Connection project has been divided into four separate construction contracts, with completion of the fourth and final contract expected in the fall of 2024. NJDOT's project website provides construction activity schedules and updates.

Portable variable message signs are being utilized to provide advance notification to the public of all traffic pattern changes associated with the work.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NJDOT_info.